Friday, December 25, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER 2015


FROM THE RECTOR

Interestingly enough, both Fr. Yost and I have significant prior experience in churches dedicated to Saint Stephen: he served a St. Stephen's Church in Texas; I was sponsored for ordination from a St. Stephen's Church in Pennsylvania. One of the advantages (and disadvantages) of belonging to a church so dedicated is that our patronal festival falls on December 26, the day after Christmas Day, so many people have the day off, but it is also difficult to organize anything much in the way of a grand celebration. The Prayer Book rubrics do permit us to transfer the feast to Sunday, however, which affords the opportunity for more parishioners and friends to mark the occasion. It is especially fitting to make an extra effort to come to Mass this Sunday on our name day. We hope to see you there. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr (Transferred)
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15;
Psalm 31:1-5
Acts 6:8--7:2a, 51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Poinsettias – Any remaining poinsettias will be removed from the nave after Epiphany, so please feel free to take one from the baptismal font or table after the 10 Mass today to take to someone who is sick or housebound.

Saint John the Evangelist – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Mass at 6 pm.

The Holy Innocents – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Tuesday with Morning Prayer at 8 am and Mass at 8:30 am.

The Holy Name – On Friday 1 January we celebrate this Principal Feast of the Church Year with Morning Prayer at 9 am and Low Mass at 9:30. All practicing Church members should make an effort to attend Mass on this and the other Principal Feasts of the Church Year if they are able.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, this coming Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or email the parish office or call 
421-6702 ext. 1. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… (Matthew 25:35)

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 2 January for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, then recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown / RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR will resume on January 27, 2016.

The Nominations Committee – has announced the following slate of nominees for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020): Patricia Barnes, 
Charles O’Boyle, and Frank Pisaturo; one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018): Danielle Latimer; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Cathy Bledsoe and Modu Johnson; Junior Warden (three-year term): Susan Brazil; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell; and Treasurer (one-year term): Ransom Widmer.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Rob, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Mary Gowdey (27 December 1992), Albert E. Godfrey (27 December 1993), John Seville Higgins (Bishop) (28 December 1992), Detlev Schumann (29 December 1986), and Nancy Jean Donaldson Pettingell (2 January 2010).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Zaki-Biam (Abuja, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Benjamin Vager; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Stephen’s, Providence and of St. John’s, Barrington and of St. John the Evangelist, Newport, and of the Chapel of St. John the Divine, Saunderstown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon SD W Dilworth; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches C Sylvia, L Hooks
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – J Steiny, G Ryan
Coffee Hour – N Gingrich, S Brazil

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Friday 1 January
New Year’s Day Dinner 12 noon

Saturday 2 January
Society of Mary (following Mass and Recitation of the Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 2 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 27 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (Transferred) (R)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Daily Office Lectionary: Christmastide, Year Two
Daily Mass Lectionary: Christmastide

Monday 28 December
SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 29 December
THE HOLY INNOCENTS (R)
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 30 December
Proper for 30 December (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 31 December
Proper for 31 December (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 1 January
HOLY NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
(THE CIRCUMCISION)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Saturday 2 January
Proper for January 2 (W)
Seraphim of Sarov, Monk, Spiritual Guide, 1833
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 3 January
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (January 3)

Christmas II, Year C
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 84 or 84:1-8
Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a
Luke 2:41-52

Friday, December 18, 2015

CHRISTMAS AT S. STEPHEN'S

Lorenzo Monaco, The Nativity, c. 1406-1410

Thursday 24 December 2015

PAGEANT & FAMILY MASS, 5:30 pm
   
SOLEMN MASS OF THE NATIVITY, 10:30 pm

Missa O magnum mysterium -- Thomás Luis de Victoria
Christmas Hymn (Three Choral Hymns) -- R. Vaughan Williams
O magnum mysterium -- Thomás Luis de Victoria

With Hynunjung Choi, harp
Preacher: The Rector


Friday 25 December 2015

MORNING PRAYER, 9:00 am
    
LOW MASS, 9:30 am

S. Stephen's Church
114 George Street
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 421-6702


Thursday, December 17, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 2015

Visitation, Philippe de Champaigne, 1602-1674


FROM THE RECTOR

The preparation for the birth of the Savior intensifies. Having received the Angels's message that she is to be the mother of the Messiah, Mary travels to Judah to visit her cousin Elizabeth, already six months' pregnant with the future John the Baptist. The encounter between the two women highlights the grace of God at work in their lives for the salvation of the whole world. Come to Mass this Sunday and join in this time of joyful hope and anticipation. -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent IV, Year C
Micah 5:2-5a
Canticle 3 or 15, or Psalm 80:1-7;
Hebrews 10:5-10;
Luke 1:39-45(46-56)


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pageant Rehearsal – Please note that the pageant dress rehearsal will take place today following the 10 am Solemn Mass from roughly 11:30 to 1:30. Lunch will be provided.

Blue Heron Concert – Today at 4 pm, Blue Heron, Boston’s premier Renaissance choir, will perform their concert entitled Christmas in Medieval England here at S. Stephen’s Church. For tickets and information, visit their website at www.blueheronchoir.org.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR has concluded for the semester, and will resume on January 27, 2016.

Saint Thomas the Apostle (December 21) – a major Holy Day of the Church year, will be kept this Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 and Low Mass at 6 pm.

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Thursday, 24 December) Christmas Pageant & Family Mass - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity -10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Friday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9 am, Low Mass 9:30 am. Please note that on the morning of December 24th (Thursday) Morning Prayer and Low Mass will be offered at the usual times.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020), one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018), two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term), two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term), Junior Warden (four-year term), Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term), and Treasurer (one-year term). The Nominations Committee consists of Sue Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, Richard Noble, and Patricia Barnes. Please speak to one of them if you have any suggestions for nominations.

Christmas Decorations – On Tuesday 22 December at 6 pm, we’ll be decorating the church for Christmas. You’re welcome to come help even if you haven’t signed on! There’s much to do. Many hands make light work!

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, on Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or email the parish office or call 421-6702 ext. 1. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… (Matthew 25:35)


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Rob, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Kathleen Herbert Congdon (22 December 2005), George Wightman Williams (25 December 2004), and Frances S. Sloan (26 December 1993). Recently Departed: Truman Bledsoe III.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Yewa (form. Egbado) (Lagos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Michael Adebayo Oluwarohunbi; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Thomas, Greenville and St. Thomas, Alton.


THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC S Brazil SD D Latimer; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer R Armidon; Torches DO Latimer, L Rejto
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – E Drew, P Pettingell
Coffee Hour – E Hooks & L Latimer


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 20 December
Pageant Rehearsal (following the 10 am Mass – 1:30 pm)

Tuesday 22 December
Church Decorating 6 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 20 December
Blue Heron in concert 4 pm

Saturday 26 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 20 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am


Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Advent 4, Year Two


Monday 21 December
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 22 December
Proper for 22 December (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 23 December
Proper for 23 December (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 24 December
Proper for 24 December (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

CHRISTMAS EVE (W)
Children’s Pageant and Low Mass 5:30 pm
Solemn Mass of the Nativity 10:30 pm

Friday 25 December
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Saturday 26 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 27 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (Transferred) (R)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 27)

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr (Transferred), Year C
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15;
Psalm 31:1-5
Acts 6:8--7:2a, 51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 2015

Baciccio, The Preaching of St. John the Baptist
c. 1690, the Louvre, Paris

FROM THE RECTOR

The Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday on account of the first words of the Introit: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice." In keeping with this theme of rejoicing, we wear rose vestments and light the rose-colored candle in the Advent Wreath. The anticipation and hope associated with the season give us cause to rejoice indeed. Christ is coming. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent III, Year C
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Canticle 9
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Preacher – This morning we welcome as guest preacher the Rt. Rev’d Daniel Martins, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, at the 10 am Solemn Mass. Bp. Martins gave the addresses at our Advent Quiet Day yesterday. We are very glad to have him with us.

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers in thanksgiving or in memoriam, please fill out the envelope included with today’s Kalendar, and put it in the offering plate or bring it to the parish office no later than Friday December 18th.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 19 December, the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament will sponsor approximately an hour of silent prayer and meditation in the Lady Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament, beginning shortly after the end of the 9:30 am Mass, and concluding by 11 am. All are welcome and invited to participate.

Blue Heron Concert – Next Sunday 20 December at 4 pm, Blue Heron, Boston’s premier Renaissance choir, will perform their concert entitled Christmas in Medieval England here at S. Stephen’s Church. For tickets and information, visit their website.

EMBR – Sunday Evening Prayer with EMBR (Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD) will conclude for the semester this evening, and resume on January 27, 2016.

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Thursday, 24 December) Christmas Pageant & Family Mass - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity -10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Friday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9 am, Low Mass 9:30 am. Please note that on the morning of Thursday 24 December Morning Prayer and Low Mass will be offered at the usual times.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020), one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018), two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term), two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term), Junior Warden (four-year term), Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term), and Treasurer (one-year term). The Nominations Committee consists of Sue Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, Richard Noble, and Patricia Barnes. Please speak to one of them if you have any suggestions for nominations.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 20 December) and Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please email the parish office or phone 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Thursday, 24 December at 5:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Please see Alison Huff for details.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, on Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or contact the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1, or email the parish office. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… (Matthew 25:35)

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Rob, Bernice, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week – Beverly Ryan (December 13) and Louise Wells (December 17).

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Gerald Franklin Barrow (14 December 2007), Mary B. Trask (15 December 1984), Constance Margaret Maxwell and Dorothy Denison Dunlap (17 December 1986); Recently Departed: Maureen Mullaney.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of the Windward Islands (West Indies): The Rt. Rev’d Calvert Friday; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Emmanuel, Cumberland and Emmanuel, Newport.

THE SUNDAY ROTA


Acolytes - MC W Dilworth SD R Noble; Thurifer R Armidon; Crucifer Z Painter; Torches E Benziger, G Benziger
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – R Widmer, T Oakes
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS


Thursday 17 December
Organ Tuning 9 am

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 19 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

Sunday 20 December
Blue Heron in concert 4 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 13 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (R)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Advent 3, Year Two

Monday 14 December
John of the Cross, Mystic, Poet, Teacher, 1591 (W)
Alexander Heriot Mackonochie, Priest, 1887
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 15 December
Tuesday in Advent III (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 16 December
Wednesday in Advent III (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 17 December
Proper for 17 December (V)
O Sapientia
Raising of Lazarus

Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 18 December
Proper for 18 December (V)
Angelus 12 Noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 19 December
Proper for 19 December (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am (until 11 am)

Sunday 20 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

* EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 20)

Advent IV, Year C
Micah 5:2-5a
Canticle 3 or 15, or Psalm 80:1-7;
Hebrews 10:5-10;
Luke 1:39-45(46-56)

Friday, December 4, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 2015

Jacopo del Casentino and Assistant: Saint John the Baptist
c. 1330. El Paso Museum of Art

FROM THE RECTOR

The second Sunday of Advent takes us out into the wilderness to meet the strange and mysterious character of John the Baptist, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight'." His is a refreshing voice amidst the dreadful schlock of the secular world's premature celebration of "the Christmas season." Come join us for a bracing antidote to all false sentimentality: an opportunity to prepare for the true joy that lies ahead. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent II, Year C
Baruch 5:1-9
Canticle 4
Philippians 1:3-11Luke 3:1-6

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers in thanksgiving or in memoriam, please fill out the envelope included with today’s Kalendar, and put it in the offering plate or bring it to the parish office no later than Friday December 18th.

Commemoration of December Departed – those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during December will be prayed for at the Mass on Monday 7 December at 6 pm. If you have names of departed family or friends to be remembered, please send them to Fr. Alexander at rector@sstephens.necoxmail.com or Fr. Yost and come join us if you can.

Advent Quiet Day – This Saturday 12 December from 9 am to 2 pm, we will offer our annual Advent Quiet Day, with addresses by The Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins, Bishop of Springfield, Illinois. We will begin as usual with Morning Prayer at 9 am, and Mass at 9:30 am followed by a light breakfast. The day will include a simple catered lunch, and we will conclude at 2 pm. The donation is $15 per person, payable on the day, which will help cover the cost of both breakfast and lunch. (Financial assistance is available if this may cause a hardship; please speak confidentially to one of the clergy.) So we have an idea of how many to plan for, please RSVP the parish office by Friday, December 11, indicating your intention to attend, via email to the parish office or by calling Cory MacLean at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Blue Heron Concert – On Sunday 20 December at 4 pm, Blue Heron, Boston’s premier Renaissance choir, will perform their concert entitled Christmas in Medieval England here at S. Stephen’s Church. For tickets and information, visit their website.

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Thursday, 24 December) Christmas Pageant & Family Mass - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity -10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Friday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9 am, Low Mass 9:30 am. Please note that on Christmas Eve (Thursday) Morning Prayer and Low Mass will be offered at the usual times.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020), one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018), two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term), two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term), Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term), and Treasurer (one-year term). The Nominations Committee consists of Sue Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, Richard Noble, and Patricia Barnes. Please speak to one of them if you have any suggestions for nominations.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 20 December) and Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please email the parish office or phone 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Thursday, 24 December at 5:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Please see Alison Huff for details.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, on Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or email the parish office or call 421-6702 ext. 1. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. "For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me…" Matthew 25:35

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Rob, Bernice, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week – Lisa Elliot (December 8), Beverly Myers (December 9), and Lynne DeBenedette (December 10).

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Homer Shirley (7 December 2013), Lillian Lynch (9 December 1990), George W. Lockwood (10 December 2001), and Elinor Elizabeth Ripley (10 December, 1984). Recently Departed: Maureen Mullaney.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Western Louisiana (VII, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d Jacob W Owensby; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Emmanuel, Cumberland and Emmanuel, Newport.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble SD R Armidon; Thurifer D Latimer; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches R Callanan, C Sylvia
Lector – W Dilworth
Ushers – S Newby, K Benziger
Coffee Hour – T Oakes, P Fuller, K Vorbeck Williams

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 8 December
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

Saturday 12 December
Advent Quiet Day 9 am – 2 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 12 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm
Brown Madrigal Concert 7 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 6 December
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Advent 2, Year Two

Monday 7 December
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher, 397 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 8 December
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Blue)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 9 December
Wednesday in Advent II (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 10 December
Thursday in Advent II (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 11 December
Friday in Advent II (V)
Angelus 12 Noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 12 December
Saturday in Advent II (V)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Finnian, Abbot of Clonard, 549
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12:15 pm

Sunday 13 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (R)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

* EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 13)

Advent III, Year C
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Canticle 9
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

Friday, November 27, 2015


ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS


SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2015
5:30 PM
Reception Following

114 George Street, Providence RI 02906
www.sstephens.org

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2015

Second Coming of Christ, Apse Mosaic in the
Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Rome, 7th Century

FROM THE RECTOR

The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year: a time of new beginnings and a marvelous opportunity to recommit ourselves to following Jesus Christ. The season of Advent also makes a wonderful antidote to the cloying quality of the secular world's commercial celebration of "the Christmas Season." Advent is a time of preparation, watching, and waiting. Christmas itself -- when it begins comes on the eve of December 25th and not before -- is all the more joyous if we have put in the preparation of a good Advent. This Sunday is the time to start.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent I, Year C
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers to the church in thanksgiving or in memoriam, please fill out the envelope included with today’s Kalendar, and put it in the offering plate or bring it to the parish office no later than Friday December 18th.

Advent Lessons & Carols – This evening at 5:30 pm we will offer our annual service of Lessons & Carols. Seasonal readings and musical selections set the stage as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. A reception follows in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30) – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, followed by Low Mass at 6 pm.

Society of Mary – The Society of Mary will meet this Saturday 5 December following 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expires Annual Meeting of 2020), one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018), two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term), two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term), Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term), and Treasurer (one-year term). The Nominations Committee consists of Sue Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, Richard Noble, and Patti Barnes.

Advent Quiet Day – On Saturday 12 December from 9 am to 2:30 pm, we will offer our annual Advent Quiet Day, with addresses by The Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins, Bishop of Springfield, Illinois. We will begin as usual with Morning Prayer at 9 am, and Mass at 9:30 am followed by a light breakfast. The day will include a simple catered lunch, and we will conclude at 2:30 pm. The donation is $15 per person, payable on the day, which will help cover the cost of both breakfast and lunch. (Financial assistance is available if this may cause a hardship; please speak confidentially to one of the clergy.) So we have an idea of how many to plan for, please RSVP the parish office by Friday, December 11, indicating your intention to attend, via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com, or by calling Cory MacLean at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 20 December) and Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please contact the parish office via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com or phone at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Thursday, 24 December at 5:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Please see Alison Huff for details.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for – Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Rob, Bernice, Ellen-Jean, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week – Sandra Bartlett (December 2).

The faithful departed – Year's  mind: Martha Saunders (29 November 1989), Jimmy Chancy Black (4 December 1992).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of West Malaysia (South East Asia): The Rt. Rev’d Ng Moon Hing; Assistant Bishop of West Malaysia (South East Asia): The Rt. Rev’d Andrew Phang; Assistant Bishop of West Malaysia (South East Asia): The Rt. Rev’d Jason Selvaraj; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Andrew’s, Little Compton, and the leadership and students of St. Andrew’s School, Barrington.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble SD S Brazil; Thurifer D Latimer; Crucifer W Dilworth; Torches V Johnson, L Rejto
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – R Viti, N Gingrich
Coffee Hour – Rejto/Elliot Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 29 November
Advent Lessons & Carols Reception (following 5:30 pm service)

Saturday 5 December
Society of Mary (following Low Mass & Recitation of the Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 28 November
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 29 November
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Advent Lessons & Carols 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Advent 1, Year Two

Monday 30 November
SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 1 December
Tuesday in Advent I (V)
Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637
Charles de Foucauld, Hermit, 1916
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 2 December
Wednesday in Advent I (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 3 December
Francis Xavier, Apostle of the Indies, Missionary, 1552 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 4 December
John of Damascus, Monk, Teacher, c. 749 (W)
Angelus 12 Noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 5 December
Saturday in Advent I (V)
Clement of Alexandria, Priest, Teacher, c. 210
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 6 December
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

* EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 6)

Advent II, Year C
Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4
Canticle 4 or 16
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6

Friday, November 20, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2015


FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday we conclude another liturgical year with the last Sunday after Pentecost, the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King. At a time of growing anxiety in the world at large, we do well to remember that Christ is King; he reigns over all creation, and in the end all will be subjected to his most gracious rule. Come join us as we worship him who alone commands our ultimate allegiance.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Proper 29, Year B
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Robert Mortimer Marsh, whose funeral was here Friday.

Thanksgiving Day Services – Masses for Thanksgiving Day will be offered on Wednesday 25 November at 6 pm (preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm) and Thursday 26 November at 9:30 am (preceded by Morning Prayer at 9 am). It is fitting to begin our Thanksgiving Day festivities by coming to Mass to give thanks to God for our many blessings.

Advent Lessons & Carols – Next Sunday 29 November at 5:30 pm we will offer our annual service of Lessons & Carols. Seasonal readings and musical selections set the stage as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. A reception follows in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Advent Quiet Day – On Saturday 12 December from 9 am to 2:30 pm, we will offer our annual Advent Quiet Day, with addresses by The Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins, Bishop of Springfield, Illinois. We will begin as usual with Morning Prayer at 9 am, and Mass at 9:30 am followed by a light breakfast. The day will include a simple catered lunch, and we will conclude at 2:30 pm. The donation is $15 per person, payable on the day, which will help cover the cost of both breakfast and lunch. (Assistance is available to anyone for whom this may be a hardship.) So we have an idea of how many to plan for, please RSVP the parish office by Friday, December 11, indicating your plans to attend, via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com, or by calling Cory MacLean at 421-6702, ext. 1.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for – Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Ellen-Jean, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week – Michael D’Alesandre (November 27).

The faithful departed – Year’s mind: Frederick Corcoran (24 November 2007); Mary Morgan (28 November 2013). Recently Departed: Robert Marsh.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Wangaratta (Victoria, Australia): The Rt. Rev’d John Parkes; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC D Latimer SD W Dilworth; Thurifer R Armidon, R Noble; Crucifer J Rice; Torches E Benziger, G Benziger
Lector – J Steiny
Ushers – S Brazil, T Bledsoe
Coffee Hour – T & C Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 29 November
Advent Lessons & Carols Reception (following 5:30 pm service)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 28 November
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 22 November
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: CHRIST THE KING (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Proper 29, Year 1

Monday 23 November
Clement, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, c. 100 (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 24 November
Columbanus, Abbot of Luxeuil and Bobbio, 615 (W)
Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs at Rome, c. 304
Chrysogonus, Martyr at Aquileia, c. 304
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 25 November
EVE OF THANKSGIVING DAY (W)
Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, 4th century (R)
James O.S. Huntington, Monk, Founder of the Order of the Holy Cross, 1935
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 26 November
THANKSGIVING DAY (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Friday 27 November
Feria (G)
Angelus 12 Noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 28 November
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 29 November
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Advent Lessons & Carols 5:30 pm

* EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (November 29)

Advent I, Year C
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

Friday, November 13, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2015

"Spoils of Jerusalem." Detail, Arch of Titus, Rome, 81 CE.

FROM THE RECTOR

On Stewardship Sunday we offer our financial pledges to God for the work of his Church for the coming year. Our pledges and financial offerings are as integral a component of our spiritual lives as our worship, prayer, and service: "And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee ..." 
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Proper 28, Year B    
  
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stewardship Sunday – During both Masses today we have the opportunity to bring our pledges forward and put them in the basket to be offered at God’s altar. Additional blank pledge forms are available from the ushers for those who did not receive them. We are grateful for whatever you can pledge. The results of the Stewardship Campaign so far will be announced at the end of Mass. Please help us make this Stewardship Sunday an occasion when we express our love for God and his Church through the generosity of our pledges.
Mini-Pilgrimage – This Saturday 21 November, the parish ward of the Society of Mary will visit the Shrine of Ste. Thérèse of Lisieux in Nasonville, Rhode Island, following Morning Prayer (9 am) and Mass (9:30 am) in the Lady Chapel. Please let us know if you would like to participate so we can organize car-pooling to get there. For more information, please speak to Fr. Alexander (Ward Superior) or Phoebe Pettingell (Ward Secretary). (Please note that we will not be having Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction normally scheduled for the third Saturday of the month.)
Thanksgiving Day Services – Masses for Thanksgiving Day will be offered on Wednesday 25 November at 6 pm (preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm) and Thursday 26 November at 9:30 am (preceded by Morning Prayer at 9 am). It is fitting to begin our Thanksgiving Day festivities by coming to Mass to give thanks to God for our many blessings.
Advent Lessons & Carols – On Sunday 29 November at 5:30 pm we will offer our annual service of Lessons & Carols. Seasonal readings and musical selections set the stage as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. A reception follows in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend.
Goodwill Industries – There is a clothing collection box in the Great Hall for the next few weeks on behalf of Goodwill Industries. One of their objectives is helping people in need to find employment, and to that end, they are accepting donations of clothing suitable for job interviews. If you have anything at home you can spare, please bring it. 
FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Ellen-Jean, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week – Karl Benziger (November 17).
The faithful departed:  Year’s mind: Eric Ernest Bernard Hall (16 November 1987), Alice Esposito (18 November 1994), Florence Ingram (20 November 1998), and Stanley Cozzens Bodell (20 November 2010).
Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Venezuela (IX, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d Orlando Guerrero; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray the leadership and people of St. Martin’s, Providence, and St. Elizabeth’s, Hope Valley.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC D Latimer SD R Noble; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches C Sylvia, DO Latimer
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – G Ryan, S Newby
Coffee Hour – N Gingrich, S Brazil

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 21 November
Mini-Pilgrimage (following 9:30 am Low Mass)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 21 November
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 15 November
TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer  7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Proper 28, Year 1

Monday 16 November
Margaret, Queen of Scotland, 1093 (W)
Evening Prayer  5:30  pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 17 November
Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200 (W)                                        
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:30 am

Wednesday 18 November
Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess of Thuringia, 1231 (W)
Evening Prayer  5:30  pm
Low Mass 6 pm
Thursday 19 November
Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, 680 (W)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:30 am

Friday 20 November
Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr, 870 (R)
Priscilla Lydia Sellon, Restorer of the Religious Life in the Church of  England, 1876
Angelus  12 Noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 21 November
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Blue)
Morning Prayer  9 am
Low Mass  9:30 am
Sunday 22 November
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: CHRIST THE KING (W)
Morning Prayer  7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

* EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (November 22)

Proper 28, Year B